Choosing an Electrical Switch
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Panel-Mount Sealed Wet-Location Limit Switches
Sealed actuators prevent these switches from jamming, even when exposed to oil, sand, mud, or ice. They send a signal to your circuit when an object hits the actuator—for instance, a box on a conveyor runs into the switch, stopping the conveyor. They open and close circuits as fast as snap-acting switches, but they have a bigger actuator for large objects. To actuate, they require a push, similar to a button. Rated IP68, they’re protected against dust and temporary submersion.
Switches with a stainless steel housing stand up better to wear and tear and corrosion better than switches with a zinc-plated steel housing.
Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Wire Connection Type | No. of | Lg. | Housing Ht. | Mounting Thread Size | Each | |
Zinc-Plated Steel Housing | ||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 5 A @ 28 V DC | 28V DC | -50° to 205° | 0.13" | Wire Leads | 2 | 24" | 1.2" | 9/16"-18 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Stainless Steel Housing | ||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 5 A @ 28 V DC | 28V DC | -50° to 205° | 0.16" | Wire Leads | 2 | 24" | 1.5" | 5/8"-18 | 00000000 | 000000 |
Mil. Spec. Washdown Snap-Acting Switches
Keep out dirt and moisture—the sealed housing on these switches is watertight and meet MIL-PRF-8805. They’re sized to fit in the tiniest of spaces. To minimize arcing and prevent contacts from sticking, they open and close circuits quickly. They’re often used as door-open indicators on appliances and enclosures or as an internal component in limit, pressure, and temperature switches.
Switches with a plunger actuator require a push to actuate.
Switches with a roller lever actuator allow parts to glide across the actuation surface with less friction than standard levers.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Wire Leads | Housing | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Wire Connection Type | No. of | Lg. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Lever Lg. | Each | |
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 5 A @ 250 V AC, 5 A @ 30 V DC | 250V AC 30V DC | -65° to 221° | 0.15" | Wire Leads | 2 | 12" | 0.88" | 0.6" | 0.35" | __ | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 5 A @ 250 V AC, 5 A @ 30 V DC | 250V AC 30V DC | -65° to 221° | 0.46" | Wire Leads | 2 | 12" | 0.88" | 0.6" | 0.34" | 0.94" | 0000000 | 000000 |
Subminiature Snap-Acting Switches
At least 25% smaller than our Miniature Snap-Acting Switches, these switches are often used to trigger actions from inside a vehicle’s door or an engine compartment. They open and close circuits faster than other switches, preventing contacts from sticking by reducing the time that they're near one another. They also minimize the chance of arcing, so electricity won’t jump across contacts.
Plunger actuator switches send a signal when the actuator is pushed directly downward. They have the smallest actuator of the actuators here, reducing the risk of accidental switching.
Lever actuator switches have a larger surface area than plunger actuator switches and can be pushed down by front-to-back movement, so they require less precision to activate.
Roller lever actuator switches allow parts to glide across the actuation surface with less friction than standard levers. This prevents wear and tear over time.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Lever Lg. | Each | |
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
With Solder Lugs | ||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 10 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.09" | 2 | 0.79" | 0.36" | 0.26" | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
With Solder Lugs | ||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 10 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.29" | 2 | 0.79" | 0.36" | 0.26" | 0.75" | 0000000 | 0000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||
With Solder Lugs | ||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 10 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.48" | 2 | 0.79" | 0.36" | 0.26" | 0.69" | 0000000 | 0000 |
Subminiature Wet-Location Snap-Acting Switches
Built for tight spaces exposed to water, these switches have a housing that's less than 1" long and IP67 rated for protection from temporary submersion. They open and close circuits quickly to minimize arcing and prevent contacts from sticking. They’re often used as door-open indicators on appliances and enclosures or as internal components in limit, pressure, and temperature switches.
Switches with a plunger actuator require a push to actuate.
Switches with a lever actuator have an arm that increases the size of the actuation surface.
Switches with a roller lever actuator allow parts to glide across the actuation surface with less friction than standard levers. This prevents wear and tear over time.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Wire Leads | Housing | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | No. of | Lg. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Lever Lg. | Each | |
Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | |||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.051" | 2 | 12" | 0.84" | 0.665" | 0.25" | __ | 00000000 | 00000 |
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.051" | 2 | 12" | 0.84" | 0.665" | 0.25" | __ | 00000000 | 0000 |
Lever Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | |||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.189" | 2 | 12" | 0.84" | 0.665" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 00000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | |||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.362" | 2 | 12" | 0.84" | 0.665" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 0000 |
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.362" | 2 | 12" | 0.84" | 0.665" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 00000 |
Miniature Snap-Acting Switches
Smaller than standard size snap-acting switches, these fit in tight spaces. They open and close circuits quickly to minimize arcing and prevent contacts from sticking. They’re often used as door-open indicators on appliances and enclosures or as an internal component in limit, pressure, and temperature switches.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Horsepower @ Switching Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | Wire Connection Type | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Each | |
Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 25 A @ 250 V AC | 277V AC | 2 hp @ 250 V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.11" | Quick-Disconnect Terminals | 2 | 1.1" | 0.63" | 0.4" | 0000000 | 000000 |
Tilt Switches
Often used as position indicators, pump level controls, and machine limit switches, these switches actuate when tilted to a certain angle. They mount horizontally and activate when tilted downward, and deactivate when tilted up. Differential angle is the total angle from the point of activation to the point of deactivation. All combine electromechanical and solid state technologies for reliability and long life.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Differential Angle | No. of Wire Leads | Dia. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Housing Material | Environmental Rating | Each | ||
With Ring Terminals | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 120 V AC, 0.25 A @ 24 V DC | 60V DC/120V AC | 15° | 2 | 0.53" | 1.88" | __ | __ | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 000000 |
With Spade Terminals | |||||||||||||||
A | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 2.5 A @ 120 V AC | 280V AC | 15° | 2 | 0.53" | 1.88" | __ | __ | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 00000 |
With Wire Leads | |||||||||||||||
B | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 20 A @ 24 V DC | 40V DC | 10° | 2 | 0.75" | 2" | __ | __ | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 00000 |
C | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 10 A @ 12 V DC | 18V DC | 30° | 2 | __ | 1.22" | 1.07" | 0.8" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 00000 |
D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 120 V AC | 120V AC | 15° | 3 | __ | 3" | 1.5" | 2" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 000000 |
D | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 220 V AC | 220V AC | 15° | 3 | __ | 3" | 1.5" | 2" | Plastic | NEMA 4, IP67 | 000000 | 000000 |
Circuit Board Magnetically Actuated Switches
Mounted to your circuit board, these switches trigger when magnetic components get near, and reset as they move away. They’re often used to turn on electronics, such as starting up a laptop when you open it. To install, push the contacts through holes in a circuit board, then solder them in place.
Switches with a plastic housing withstand impact better than switches with a glass housing. The plastic also forms an airtight seal to block out contaminants. Use them in dusty or dirty environments where an optical switch might fail.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Wire Dia. | OD | Lg. | Specifications Met | Pkg. Qty. | Pkg. | |
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 0.5 A @ 200 V DC | 250V DC | 0.02" | 0.1" | 0.6" | UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component | 20 | 0000000 | 000000 |
No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Wire Dia. | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Protection Type | Environmental Rating | Specifications Met | Includes | Pkg. Qty. | Pkg. | |
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | SPST-NO | 0.5 A @ 200 V DC | 250V DC | 0.02" | 0.6" | 0.1" | 0.1" | Hermetically Sealed | NEC Class I Division 2 Groups A, B, C, D | UL Recognized Component, C-UL Recognized Component | Magnet | 20 | 0000000 | 000000 |
Air-Actuated Foot Switches
Press these switches with your foot for convenient, hands-free operation. They use air pressure to turn circuits on or off, keeping live electrical circuits away from work areas. Use the three-prong outlet to plug a device directly into the switch.
No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Dia. | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Guard Material | Includes | Each | |
With Three-Prong Outlet | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 120 V AC | 3 3/4" | __ | __ | 1 1/2" | __ | 10 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 000000 |
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 2 | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 120 V AC | 3 3/4" | __ | __ | 1 1/2" | __ | 10 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 00000 |
With Three-Prong Outlet and Guard | |||||||||||||
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 120 V AC | __ | 6" | 6 1/2" | 4 11/16" | Plastic | 10 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 00000 |
1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 2 | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 120 V AC | __ | 6" | 6 1/2" | 4 11/16" | Plastic | 10 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 00000 |